Aer Lingus Pilots' Dispute: Hundreds of Flights Cancelled Amidst Pay Disagreement
In a significant disruption to travel plans, Aer Lingus pilots launched industrial actions on June 26, 2024. The pilots imposed 'work-to-rule' actions, refusing to work overtime or accept changes in rosters or out-of-hours management requests. This resulted in the cancellation of hundreds of flights and left tens of thousands of passengers with disrupted travel plans.
The dispute between Aer Lingus and its pilots is primarily over pay. Pilots are seeking a 24% increase to keep pace with inflation since their last pay raise in 2019. The airline, however, has only offered pay increases of 12.5% or more if 'productivity and flexibility' are discussed.
The Irish Air Line Pilots' Association (IALPA) said it would resume talks on Thursday as the labor action continues. An eight-hour strike is planned for Saturday.
Ireland's prime minister, Simon Harris, has urged both parties to find a resolution as soon as possible. He stated that 'this dispute will be settled the same way every dispute is settled: compromise, engagement, sitting around a table.'
The flag carrier of Ireland and its pilots have been locked in this bitter pay dispute for some time now. The impacted passengers are advised to check with Aer Lingus for updates on their flights and to explore options such as changing flights online, requesting a full refund or a refund voucher, or contacting third-party travel agents directly.